An extraordinary event took place in Brazil: a seminar that brought together two pioneering Grand Masters of Taekwon-Do, alongside a select audience of black belts. Master Edimir Kawakubo, President of the ITF in Brazil, shares the behind-the-scenes and significance of this unique gathering in the history of Taekwon-Do in his country.
The Idea Behind the Seminar
Master Edimir Kawakubo reveals how the idea to organize this seminar emerged in the context of the opening of his martial arts-themed café. With friends from the WT, with whom he shared years of experience in Taekwon-Do, the vision arose to bring together pioneering and Korean masters in an unprecedented event in Brazil.
The Legacy of the Pioneers
We delve into the history of Taekwon-Do in Brazil, from the initial steps taken by Master Samin Cho to the founding of the Taekwondo Federation of Rio de Janeiro by Joon-Ho Kim. It highlights how, despite the different approaches between the ITF and the WT, both significantly contributed to the development of this discipline in the country.
During the seminar, Grand Master Jung Roul Kim shared the moving story of Master Jung-Ho Kim and his quest for international certification in South Korea in 1971, a vivid testimony of the early days of Taekwon-Do in Brazil. Additionally, Master Kawakubo emphasizes how the legacy of General Choi Hong Hi, founder of Taekwon-Do, continues to be a powerful influence in the stories shared by the Grand Masters, promoting greater understanding and unity in the Taekwon-Do community.
Grand Master Yong Min Kim, a key figure in the Brazilian Taekwon-Do WT Confederation, also participated in the seminar. His outstanding technique and the exciting reunion with former training companions brought a vibrant and nostalgic atmosphere to the event.
Fostering Collaboration and Understanding
Master Kawakubo shares his plans to organize future events that bring together practitioners from the ITF and the WT in Brazil, promoting greater technical understanding and collaboration between both organizations. He envisions a future where Taekwon-Do is a unifying force, beyond technical differences, for the benefit of the entire community.
In conclusion, he reflects on the importance of leaving behind past differences and joining forces for Taekwon-Do as a transformative force for good. He emphasizes the need to recognize that, despite technical differences, Taekwon-Do unites us as a single community, forging a path towards unity and mutual understanding.
